Finding the right partner for your marketing is important. If you are looking for someone you can trust to handle the promotional merchandise and printed collateral and ensure they are shipped to the event, exhibition or direct to customer in a timely fashion – this discussion may help.
We consider the main factors to consider:
- Price and cost effectiveness
- Flexibility
- Knowledge and experience
- Range of services
- International shipping experience
Price and cost effectiveness
Fulfilment companies tend to fall into different categories with different pro and cons particularly around price.
1. E- commerce Fulfilment.
A google search for e-commerce fulfilment will give you several companies that specialise in holding stocks for those selling on Amazon, Etsy, Ebay and Shopify.
These fulfilment companies focus on large volumes and integration with shopping platforms, but the costs of storage and stock picking is low. The disadvantage is that they do require large volumes from their clients and are inflexible regarding things like returns and kit creation – they will also not monitor the delivery unless paid an additional fee to do so.
2. Mailing Houses
As the name suggest these companies focus on mailing products and have automated enclosing equipment. They can provide discounts on mailing costs through volume discounts with Royal Mail or other mailing companies. Some will hold stocks of promotional items for kitting and despatch, but it is not their core business. Excellent value for letter mailings
3. Specialist promotional products fulfilment
A smaller promotional goods supplier and fulfilment company will be able to handle small and larger events and understands the industry much better. More expensive when looking at the headline price of storage and pick, but more competitive when all costs are considered. Note: not all promotional product distributors will hold stock and ship internationally.
Flexibility
When considering a fulfilment company ask questions about flexibility. Can they send a single parcel to a residential address and also send a dedicated van to the large exhibition centres requiring co-ordination with on-site logistics companies to ensure goods arrive at the stand. Most marketing departments have a requirement for large events and small round-table events as well as shipping to individuals.
Knowledge and Experience
Another area to question is the fulfilment houses experience of marketing and events. Not just deliveries, previously mentioned, but the fast pace and speed of turnaround required. Despite all the marketing plans and effort, the fact remains the world of marketing requires high levels of responsiveness and changes to plans. Experience in this area is paramount, and it is where the specialist score over the low-priced e-commerce fulfilment companies.
Range of Additional Services
By definition all fulfilment house will hold stock, and when ordered will pick the stock and send it. Not all companies will also:
- Track the shipment to point of delivery
- Liaise with logistics companies at an event
- Organise a return of materials
- Examine returns, ensuring only items in good condition are returned to stock
- Create bespoke kits
- Personalise kits and shipments with a printed note
- Provide and create gift boxes
- Source roller banners, tablecloths and other items
- Have on-site printing facilities for last minute data sheets and brochure printing
International Shipping
International shipping is not the same as handing over the parcel to a DHL or Federal Express. It also requires an understanding of the documentation required including commercial invoices and the various customs requirements from EORI numbers to KYC documents. If you have a need for international shipping, ensure your fulfilment company has experience in this area. Many promotional product companies simply will not get involved.
Author: David Platt, BSC, BA, MBA. Dip. M
David has been involved in promotional products for 30 years, and storage and fulfilment for 15 years as Executive Director of PDI – he has the scars of hundreds of shipments, events and promotions, as well as a formal education in Business Management and Marketing.